Pet Wiki

Saluki

Also called Persian Greyhound, Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, Persian Hound

Recognised breedFCI group 10Short profile

From The Middle East (Fertile Crescent); the FCI lists the Middle East as origin with the FCI itself as patron.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight16 to 32 kg2
Height58 to 71 cm32
Lifespan12 to 13.3 years42
Sizelarge

The FCI standard sets no weight; range from Wikipedia, with females generally lighter.

graceful and very fast
gentle and dignified
loyal to its family
354

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth or feathered

A fine, soft, silky coat. The feathered variety carries longer silky hair on the ears, the backs of the legs and thighs and sometimes the throat; the smooth variety has no feathering. The body is lean, graceful and built for speed and endurance.32

Colourswhitecreamfawngoldenredgrizzle and tanblack and tantricolour32

Personality what they are like

A gentle, dignified and independent hound that is quietly devoted to its people. It tends to be reserved with strangers without being nervous or unfriendly, and has a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.352

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally including safe off-lead running in a secure area.42

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly brushing is enough for most Salukis; feathered dogs need a little extra care on the ears and leg feathering.43

Home where they are happiest

Calm and quiet indoors, so it can adapt to flat living provided it gets long daily exercise and a securely fenced space to run.24

Company who they like around

Enjoys company and does not like being left alone for long periods. Its chase instinct means care is needed around small pets.2

The story where it all began

Sighthounds of Saluki type have hunted alongside people in the Middle East for thousands of years, with dogs like them shown in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art. Bedouin tribes prized them with their horses and falcons for hunting gazelle, hare and fox. The breed reached England in the 19th century and was formally recognised there in 1923.342

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    By tradition Salukis were not sold but given as gifts of honour.3

  2. 2

    A Saluki was listed in the 1996 Guinness Book of Records as the fastest dog, clocked at about 68.8 km/h.2

  3. 3

    Bedouin hunters sometimes worked Salukis together with falcons.4

  4. 4

    Although dogs were widely seen as unclean in traditional Muslim culture, the Saluki was treated as an honoured exception.2

  5. 5

    Because each tribe bred for its own terrain and game, the breed shows natural variety in type, and the standard accepts almost any colour.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name may have come from the Syrian town Seleukia or the Arabian town of Saluk, reflecting its ancient Middle Eastern origins.6

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ZephyrNoorGazelleSilkAmberRayanLaylaDashMirageSiroccoTajSahara

A day in the life told by a Saluki

I stretch on my cushion, my long legs reaching for the sunbeam. My human calls, and I trot over, my ears fluttering like silk. We drive to a big field, and I spot a rabbit, I'm off, faster than the wind! I circle back, proud, and my human smiles. At home, I perch on the sofa, watching the garden with quiet dignity. When they scratch my ears, I lean in. Life is a graceful dance of speed and stillness.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 269, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 1 long-haired or fringed sighthounds; definitively accepted 8 April 1966, current standard published 25 October 2000; fringed and smooth varieties.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; recognised in 1923 per Wikipedia; not a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Hound Group; recognised in 1929.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Saluki. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Saluki tip

Salukis can be prone to dental disease, so choose dental chews or treats that help reduce tartar, and always account for treats within their daily food allowance to avoid weight gain. Ask your vet for a treat routine that suits your dog's specific needs.

Source: akc.org petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Saluki, and at what times?

Feed your adult Saluki at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.7

What should a Saluki eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always ask your vet for specific dietary advice.8

How often should I bathe a Saluki?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks. You can bathe more often if your Saluki gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Saluki need brushing?

Weekly brushing is enough for most Salukis. If your Saluki has feathering, give extra attention to the ears and legs. Daily brushing is fine for feathered coats and helps keep the silky hair tangle-free.439 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Saluki's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Saluki need?

Your Saluki needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including safe off-lead running in a secure area. Daily walks and play are essential to keep this athletic hound happy and healthy.42 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Saluki's teeth and ears?

Brush your Saluki's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, but never push anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal for teeth.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Saluki live?

Salukis typically live between 12 and 13 years, with some reaching a bit older. With good care, they can enjoy a long and healthy life.42

Is a Saluki good with children and other pets?

Salukis are gentle and devoted, but their strong chase instinct means caution around small pets. They can be good with children if raised together, but supervision is always wise. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.352

Can a Saluki be left alone?

Salukis enjoy company and do not like being left alone for long periods. They can adapt if you provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, but it's best to avoid long absences.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI nomenclature: Saluki (269) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. Wikipedia: Saluki en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, lifespan, AKC/KC years, facts (secondary)
  3. FCI Standard No. 269 Saluki fci.beused for height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Saluki royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  5. AKC: Saluki breed page akc.orgused for temperament summary
  6. ckc.ca ckc.ca
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.